Nehemiah 3

Nehemiah 3:1

ELiashib the high priest] The nephew of Jehoshuah, chap. 12. 10.

they built the sheep-gate] Here is an exact description of the gates of Jerusalem in order as they stood. The sheep-gate here: the fish-gate next on the right-hand, v. 3. Then the old-gate, v. 6. Next was the valley-gate, v. 13. After that the dung-gate, v. 14. Then the fountain-gate, v. 15.

Next was the water-gate, v. 26. After that the horse-gate, v. 28. Then the east-gate, v. 29. Lastly, the gate Miphkad, which was the prison-gate, v. 31. chap. 12. 39. This appears to be the order for these reasons. First, when Nehemiah went to view them, chap. 2. v. 12, 13. those few gates there named, stand in the rank they do here.

Secondly, in repairing the wall in this third chapter, they begin and end at the sheep-gate. Thirdly, many of these stand in the same posture, chap. 12. 31. at the dedication of the wall: for one company goes on the right-hand to the dung-gate, the other on the left, and both meet at the prison-gate, chap. 12. 39.

they sanctified it] Dedicated it to the LORD by prayer, when they had finished it, Deuteronomy 20:5. desiring God to maintain it. Or, appointed it for the use of the temple, that sacrifices might be had there at hand in the market, and other things.

unto the tower of Meah] Heb. of Hammeah. Or, to the hundredth tower: or, it might have one hundred pinacles: or, be one hundred foot high. For Meah signifies an hundred.

unto the tower of Hananeel] Chap. 12. 39. Jerem. 31. 38. Zechariah 14:10.

Nehemiah 3:2

next unto him] Heb. at his hand.

them] Heb. to him. It may be the men of Jericho builded on the one side of the high priest, and Zaccur on the other.

Nehemiah 3:3

the fish-gate] It might look toward the sea, and so the fish might be brought in there, and sold neer it, some coming from Joppa, and some from Tyrus, though it were further off See chap. 13. 16, 19.

and set up the doors thereof] Afterwards, when all the wall was finished, chap. 6. 1. and 7. 1.

Nehemiah 3:4

next unto them] For it is likely Merimoth wrought not alone, but set others on work with him.

Nehemiah 3:5

their nobles put not their necks to the work of their ord] The rich and great men would not work with their hands in Gods work, for they thought it too mean a service for them.

Nehemiah 3:6

the old gate] Part whereof stood ever since the razing of the walls, chap. 12. 39.

Nehemiah 3:7

unto the throne of the governour] Where the governour was to dwell: that is, Nehemiah himself, chap. 2. 8.

Nehemiah 3:8

fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall] Or, left fortifying Jerusalem at the broad wall: Or, left Jerusalem unto the broad wall. Chap. 12.

Nehemiah 3:9

the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem] It may be he was over that part of the city which was in the tribe of Judah, and some other set over that part which was in the tribe of Benjamin, v. 12.

Nehemiah 3:11

other piece] Heb. second measure. That is, the part next Hattush his part: or, as much, as he did.

the tower of the furnaces] See chap. 12. 38. Some think fire was kept there perpetually for direction of men at sea: Or, it may be the furnaces for melting of metals stood thereabouts.

Nehemiah 3:12

and his daughters] These virgins thought not much to work like men in this publike service.

Nehemiah 3:13

unto the dung-gate] Chap. 2. 13.

Nehemiah 3:14

of part] Or, of the tract. It seems to be some outpart of Jerusalem in the tribe of Benjamin, Jere. 6. 1.

Nehemiah 3:15

the gate of the fountain] Chap. 2. 14.

of the pool of Silcah] John 9:7.

Nehemiah 3:16

the sepulchres of David] It is likely he made them to bury his houshold in.

to the pool] 2 Kings 20:20. Isaiah 22:11.

that was made] Not naturall, as the pool, v. 15. is thought to be.

unto the house of the mighty] Where the garison of the city of David used to watch.

Nehemiah 3:17

in his part] Or, for his part: or, with his part: That is, the men subject to him.

Nehemiah 3:18

of the half part] That is, of the other half part.

Nehemiah 3:19

over against the going up to the armoury] Where the weapons and armour of the city lay.

at the turning of the wall] 2 Chronicles 26:9.

Nehemiah 3:20

Zabbai] Or, Zaccai.

Nehemiah 3:21

Koz] Heb. Hakkoz.

Nehemiah 3:22

the men of the plain] Which dwelt in the plain countrey, between Jerusalem and Jericho, 2 Samuel 2:29. Nehe. 12. 28.

Nehemiah 3:25

court of the prison] Jere. 32. 2.

Nehemiah 3:26

dwelt] Or, which dwelt.

Opel] Or, the tower. 2. Chron. 27. 3. and 33. 14. An high tower reaching as it were to the clouds, as the name in the originall imports. There dwelt the Nethinims, neer the water-gate; for they carried wood and water to the temple. See the notes on Ezra 2:43.

the water-gate] Chap. 8. 1. and 12. 37.

Nehemiah 3:27

the Tekoites repaired another piece] Though their great men would not help them, yet they quickly ended their work, v. 5. and now take another part upon them.

Nehemiah 3:28

the horse-gate] It stood east-ward, Jere. 31. 40. it was called the horse-gate, as some think, because the kings horses went in and out that way, 2 Kings 11:16. 2 Chron. 23. 15. Or, as others suppose, either because they might ride no further toward the temple, or because they rid their horses out of that gate to water them in Kidron, and breathe them in the valley of Gehinnom.

Nehemiah 3:29

of the east-gate] Some think it stood not full east, but was called the east-gate, because it stood on the east-end of the temple. It is by some called the golden-gate. It seems it was the beautifullest gate; yet it might be so called, because the fun-beams lighting on it in the morning, might make it glister.

Nehemiah 3:31

unto the place of the Nethinims] Vers. 26.

the gate Miphkad] Which was the prison-gate, not far from the sheep-gate. See chap. 12. 39.

going up of the corner] Or, corner-chamber.